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Jarvi S, Jacob J, Mina A, Lyons M. Detection of rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) infection by real-time PCR from the peripheral blood of animals: a preliminary study. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:240. [PMID: 38862687 PMCID: PMC11166865 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08251-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Rat lungworm disease or neuroangiostrongyliasis is a cerebral parasitic infection that affects humans and animals alike. Its clinical signs and symptoms can range from mild self-resolving to serious life-threatening conditions. Studies suggest therapeutic interventions during the early stages of infection to be more effective than in later stages. However, early diagnosis of infection is usually problematic without the knowledge of exposure and/or detection of the parasite's DNA or antibody against the parasite in the cerebrospinal fluid. This requires a lumbar puncture, which is an invasive procedure that generally requires hospitalization. This study evaluates an affordable and less invasive alternative to detect parasitic DNA by PCR from the peripheral blood of potentially infected animals. Blood samples from 58 animals (55 dogs and 3 cats) with clinical suspicion of infection were submitted to our lab between February 2019 and August 2022 by local, licensed veterinarians. DNA was extracted from whole blood, plasma, serum, and/or packed cells using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit as per the manufacturer's protocol. All 58 animals were tested by real-time PCR using the AcanITS1 assay and 32 of these animals (31dogs; 1 cat) were also tested using the AcanR3990 assay. The PCR results for both assays were classified into strongly positive > positive > weakly positive > negative, and equivocal for ambiguous results, based on the strength of the signal. The percent infection detected using the AcanITS1 and AcanR3990 assays was 12.72% (7/55) and 20.68% (6/29), respectively. The overall percent infection detected was 34.37% (11/32), with only two animals testing positive by both assays. The three cats involved in this study tested negative by both assays. These results are promising and warrant further investigations to increase sensitivity including variables that might affect detection in the blood, such as parasite load, and laboratory methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA.
| | - John Jacob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI, USA
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Rivory P, Bedoya-Pérez M, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Older urban rats are infected with the zoonotic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 5:100179. [PMID: 38845789 PMCID: PMC11154120 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Rats, being synanthropic, are hosts to agents of zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to human and domestic animal health. The nematode parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is no exception; it can cause potentially fatal neural disease in humans, dogs and other species. The distribution of A. cantonensis (haplotypes SYD.1 and Ac13) and its close relative, Angiostrongylus mackerrasae is not well understood in Australia. We investigated the prevalence of Angiostrongylus in rats in Sydney, Australia, primarily via faecal qPCR, and identified the species and haplotypes using partial cox1 sequencing. We found a moderate prevalence of infection (29%; 95% CI: 16.1-46.6%) in black (Rattus rattus) and brown (Rattus norvegicus) rats around public parks and residential areas. This study demonstrates that Sydney's urban rat population is a reservoir for A. cantonensis. Modelling infection status as a function of rat species, sex, tibia length (as a proxy for age), and health index (a measure of weight by size) revealed that older rats are statistically more likely to be infected (χ 2 1 = 5.331, P = 0.021). We observed a dominant presence of the A. cantonensis SYD.1 haplotype, for which the implications are not yet known. No A. mackerassae was detected, leading us to suspect it may have a more restricted host- and geographical range. Overall, this study illustrates the presence and potential risk of A. cantonensis infection in Sydney. Public education regarding transmission routes and preventative measures is crucial to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Miguel Bedoya-Pérez
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Mirkov I, Tucovic D, Kulas J, Malesevic A, Kataranovski D, Kataranovski M, Popov Aleksandrov A. Physiological strategies in wild rodents: immune defenses of commensal rats. Integr Zool 2024; 19:350-370. [PMID: 37814602 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of issues associated with urban/commensal rats and mice (property damage, management costs, and health risks) press upon research on these animals. While the demography of commensal rodents is mostly studied, the need for understanding factors influencing their natural morbidity/mortality is also stressed. In this respect, more attention is expected to be paid to immunity, the physiological mechanism of defense against host survival threats (pathogens, parasites, diseases). Commensal rats and mice carry numerous pathogens that evoke diverse immune responses. The state of immunity in commensal house mice is studied in great detail, owing to the use of laboratory strains in biomedical research. Because commensal rats are, compared to mice, carriers of more zoonotic agents, rats' immunity is studied mainly in that context. Some of these zoonotic agents cause chronic, asymptomatic infections, which justified studies of immunological mechanisms of pathogen tolerance versus clearance regulation in rats. Occurrence of some infections in specific tissues/organs pressed upon analysis of local/regional immune responses and/or immunopathology. A survey of immunological activity/responses in commensal rats is given in this review, with mention of existing data in commensal mice. It should throw some light on the factors relevant to their morbidity and lifespan, supplementing the knowledge of commensal rodent ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mirkov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dina Tucovic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Kulas
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anastasija Malesevic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Chang KW, Wang LC, Wang HY, Lin TY, Hwu EET, Cheng PC. Inflammatory and immunopathological differences in brains of permissive and non-permissive hosts with Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection can be identified using 18F/FDG/PET-imaging. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012188. [PMID: 38805557 PMCID: PMC11161054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasite that mainly infects the heart and pulmonary arteries of rats and causes human eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in certain geographical areas. Current diagnostic methods include detection of the parasite in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and eosinophilic immune examination after lumbar puncture, which may be risky and produce false-positive results. 18F- Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a Positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, has been used to assess different pathological or inflammatory changes in the brains of patients. In this study, we hypothesized that A. cantonensis infection-induced inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors of eosinophils result in localized pathological changes in the brains of non-permissive hosts, which could be analyzed using in vivo 18F-FDG PET imaging. METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Non-permissive host ICR mice and permissive host SD rats were infected with A. cantonensis, and the effects of the resulting inflammation on 18F-FDG uptake were characterized using PET imaging. We also quantitatively measured the distributed uptake values of different brain regions to build an evaluated imaging model of localized neuropathological damage caused by eosinophilic inflammation. Our results showed that the uptake of 18F-FDG increased in the cerebellum, brainstem, and limbic system of mice at three weeks post-infection, whereas the uptake in the rat brain was not significant. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting revealed that Iba-1, a microglia-specific marker, significantly increased in the hippocampus and its surrounding area in mice after three weeks of infection, and then became pronounced after four weeks of infection; while YM-1, an eosinophilic chemotactic factor, in the hippocampus and midbrain, increased significantly from two weeks post-infection, sharply escalated after three weeks of infection, and peaked after four weeks of infection. Cytometric bead array (CBA) analysis revealed that the expression of TNF in the serum of mice increased concomitantly with the prolongation of infection duration. Furthermore, IFN-γ and IL-4 in rat serum were significantly higher than in mouse serum at two weeks post-infection, indicating significantly different immune responses in the brains of rats and mice. We suggest that 18F-FDG uptake in the host brain may be attributed to the accumulation of large numbers of immune cells, especially the metabolic burst of activated eosinophils, which are attracted to and induced by activated microglia in the brain. CONCLUSIONS An in vivo 18F-FDG/PET imaging model can be used to evaluate live neuroinflammatory pathological changes in the brains of A. cantonensis-infected mice and rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-wei Chang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yang Wang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yuan Lin
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Edwin En-Te Hwu
- The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Rivory P, Pillay K, Lee R, Taylor D, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Fatal neural angiostrongyliasis in the Bolivian squirrel monkey ( Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) leading to defining Angiostrongylus cantonensis risk map at a zoo in Australia. One Health 2023; 17:100628. [PMID: 38024275 PMCID: PMC10665155 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the A. cantonensis cox1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for Angiostrongylus detection, speciation, and cox1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, cox1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and Angiostrongylus detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for Angiostrongylus surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. Angiostrongylus-positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of A. cantonensis in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial cox1 sequencing detected only A. cantonensis, with the Ac13 cox1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 A. cantonensis cox1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were Angiostrongylus-negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. cantonensis in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kresen Pillay
- Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee, New South Wales 2767, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - David Taylor
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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Lee CY, Liao CW, Wang LC, Fan CK, Chuang TW, En-Te Hwu E, Chao D, Cheng PC. IgE antibody responses in cerebrospinal fluids relate to the brain pathologic injury of hosts with Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023; 56:1261-1272. [PMID: 37689501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection increases in the host. This study analyzed the IgG and IgE responses detected in different body fluids of A. cantonensis-infected mice. METHODS BALB/c (high susceptibility), CBA (medium), and C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 (resistance) strain mice were used in this study. The levels of IgM, IgG, and IgE in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from infected mice were compared. A. cantonensis-reactive antigens from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice CSF were also analyzed. RESULTS Antibodies against fifth-stage larvae (L5) antigens increased in mice CSF, particularly IgE, relate to worm rejection and the susceptibility of different mouse strains. The increased IgE level in BALB/c mice CSF is lower than that from others, suggesting IgE response in brain is more important than that in serum. Anti-L5 and anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen IgE and IgG responses in CSF were analyzed. In addition, the antibody-dependent eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity induced by anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen antibodies may be the reason of severe brain inflammation in infected BALB/c mice. IgE and IgG antibodies against a 105 kDa protein of L5 antigen was detected at week 3 post-infection in C57BL/6 mice and week 5 post-infection in BALB/c mice. We suggest that 105 kDa protein is related with the antibody response of A. cantonensis-infected mice. CONCLUSION We found that IgE antibodies in mice CSF against L5 antigens related to worm rejection in mice brains. This study may help to identify specific angiostrongyliasis markers that can be applied for clinical diagnosis and treatment in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Edwin En-Te Hwu
- The Danish National Research Foundation and Villum Foundation's Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Demark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Chao
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Rivory P, Lee R, Šlapeta J. Rat lungworm ( Angiostrongylus cantonensis) active larval emergence from deceased bubble pond snails ( Bullastra lessoni) into water. Parasitology 2023; 150:700-704. [PMID: 37232239 PMCID: PMC10410370 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (the rat lungworm) is a zoonotic parasite of non-permissive accidental (dogs, humans, horses, marsupials, birds) hosts. The 3rd stage larvae (L3s) in the intermediate host (molluscs) act as the source of infection for accidental hosts through ingestion. Larvae can spontaneously emerge from dead gastropods (slugs and snails) in water, which are experimentally infective to rats. We sought to identify the time when infective A. cantonensis larvae can autonomously leave dead experimentally infected Bullastra lessoni snails. The proportion of A. cantonensis larvae that emerge from crushed and submerged B. lessoni is higher in snails 62 days post-infection (DPI) (30.3%). The total larval burden of snails increases at 91 DPI, indicating that emerged larvae subsequently get recycled by the population. There appears to be a window of opportunity between 1 and 3 months for infective larvae to autonomously escape dead snails. From a human and veterinary medicine viewpoint, the mode of infection needs to be considered; whether that be through ingestion of an infected gastropod, or via drinking water contaminated with escaped larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Successful Removal of Angiostrongylus cantonensis Larvae from the Central Nervous System of Rats 7- and 14-Days Post-Infection Using a Product Containing Moxidectin, Sarolaner and Pyrantel Embonate (Simparica Trio™) in Experimental Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020305. [PMID: 36839577 PMCID: PMC9959906 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode with an indirect lifecycle, using molluscs as intermediate hosts. Rats are the definitive host. By administering a suitable anthelmintic, at an appropriate interval, the risk of clinical neuroangiostrongyliasis occurring in paratenic hosts (e.g., dogs, man) can be eliminated. We wanted to determine if infective larvae (L3) of A. cantonensis can be safely killed during their migration through the central nervous system (CNS) by oral administration of an anthelmintic combination containing moxidectin (480 µg/kg, Simparica Trio™; M-S-P), thereby preventing patent infections in rats. Eighteen rats were used: ten received oral M-S-P every four weeks; eight rats were used as controls. Rats were initially given M-S-P as a chew to eat, but an acquired food aversion meant that subsequent doses were given by orogastric lavage. All 18 rats were challenged once or twice with approximately 30 L3 A. cantonensis larvae via orogastric lavage. Infection status was determined by faecal analysis using the Baermann technique and necropsy examination of the heart, pulmonary arteries and lungs. Eight out of ten rats dosed with M-S-P had zero lungworms at necropsy; a single female worm was detected in each of the remaining two rats. No treated rats had L1 larvae in faeces. In contrast, all eight controls were infected with patent infections, with a median of 14.5 worms per rat detected at necropsy. The difference in infection rates was significant (two tailed Fishers Exact; p = 0.0011). Moxidectin given orally once every month killed migrating larvae before they reached the pulmonary arteries in 80% of treated rats, while in 20%, only a single female worm was present. Considering the short half-life of moxidectin in the rat, it is likely that the effectiveness of moxidectin is due to larvicidal action on migrating L3, L4 and L5 larvae in the brain parenchyma or subarachnoid space, either 7 days (L3/L4 in cerebrum and spinal cord) or 14 days (L4/L5 in cerebrum and subarachnoid space) after inoculation. This study is a prelude for future research to determine if monthly moxidectin administration orally as M-S-P could prevent symptomatic neuroangiostrongyliasis in dogs.
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Zhou H, Lu Y, Wei H, Chen Y, Limpanon Y, Dekumyoy P, Huang P, Shi P, Lv Z. Stat3/IL-6 signaling mediates sustained pneumonia induced by Agiostrongylus cantonensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010461. [PMID: 35617354 PMCID: PMC9176765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) is well-documented that parasitizes the host brain and causes eosinophilic meningitis. The migration route of AC in permissive hosts is well demonstrated, while in nonpermissive hosts, it remains to be fully defined. In the present study, we exploited live imaging technology, morphological and pathological configuration analysis, and molecular biological technologies to explore the migration route of AC and the accompanying tissue damage in nonpermissive and permissive hosts. Our data indicated that, in nonpermissive host mouse, AC larvae migrated from intestinal wall to liver at 2 hours post-infection (hpi), from liver to lung at 4 hpi and then from lung to brain at 8 hpi. AC larval migration caused fatal lung injury (pneumonia) during acute and early infection phases, along with significant activation of Stat3/IL-6 signaling. In addition, AC induce sustained interstitial pneumonia in mouse and rat and pulmonary fibrosis only in rat during late infection phase. Moreover, during the early and late infection phases, Th2 cytokine expression and Stat3 and IL-6 signaling were persistently enhanced and myeloid macrophage cells were notably enriched in host lung, and administration of Stat3 and IL-6 inhibitors (C188-9 and LMT-28) attenuated AC infection-induced acute pneumonia in mice. Overall, we are the first to provide direct and systemic laboratory evidence of AC migration route in a nonpermissive host and report that infection with a high dose of AC larvae could result in acute and fatal pneumonia through Stat3/IL-6 signaling in mice. These findings may present a feasible to rational strategy to minimize the pathogenesis induced by AC. Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a well-known nematode parasitizing the host brain and is the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. Our study reports the migration route of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in non-permissive host mouse and discovers that the larvae could induce fatal pneumonia in mouse lung during acute and early infection phase characterized by activation of Stat3/IL-6 signaling. Moreover, administration of inhibitors targeting Stat3/IL-6 signaling could significantly attenuate the AC-induced pneumonia of non-permissive host mouse, providing an effective candidate target for intervention of this severe parasitic pneumonia. These findings expand our understanding of Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis and indicate that more attention to AC-induced pneumonia is required when treatment for Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yuting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yixin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanin Limpanon
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paron Dekumyoy
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Peiyao Shi
- Department of Experimental Diagnosis, Shenzhen Yantian District People’s Hospital, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ZL)
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Hainan Affaliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- * E-mail: (PS); (ZL)
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11
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Host transmission dynamics of first- and third-stage Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in Bullastra lessoni. Parasitology 2022; 149:1034-1044. [PMID: 35445648 PMCID: PMC10090585 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Given the importance of angiostrongyliasis as an emerging infectious disease of humans, companion animals, and wildlife, the current study focused on the transmission dynamics of first- and third-stage larvae of the parasitic nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The migration of infective larvae and their subsequent distribution within the Lymnaeidae snail, Bullastra lessoni, were investigated over time using microscopic examination of histological sections and fresh tissue. Snails were divided into four anatomical regions: (i) anterior and (ii) posterior cephalopedal masses, (iii) mantle skirt and (iv) visceral mass. The viability of free-swimming third-stage larvae, after their release from snail tissues, was evaluated in vitro by propidium iodide staining and infectivity by in vivo infection of Wistar rats. Snails were sequentially dissected over time to assess the number and anatomical distribution of larvae within each snail and hence infer their migration pathway. Herein, ongoing larval migratory activity was detected over 28 days post-infection. A comparison of infection rates and the larval distribution within the four designated snail regions demonstrated a significant relationship between anatomical region and density of infective larvae, with larvae mostly distributed in the anterior cephalopedal mass (43.6 ± 10.8%) and the mantle skirt (33.0 ± 8.8%). Propidium iodide staining showed that free-swimming third-stage larvae retained viability for between 4 and 8 weeks when stored under laboratory conditions. In contrast to viability, larval infectivity in rats remained for up to 2 weeks only. Knowledge gained from the current work could provide information on the development of new approaches to controlling the transmission of this parasite.
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12
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Rollins RL, Qader M, Gosnell WL, Wang C, Cao S, Cowie RH. A validated high-throughput method for assaying rat lungworm ( Angiostrongylus cantonensis) motility when challenged with potentially anthelmintic natural products from Hawaiian fungi. Parasitology 2022; 149:1-28. [PMID: 35236524 PMCID: PMC9440163 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes devastate human and animal health. The limited number of anthelmintics available is concerning, especially because of increasing drug resistance. Anthelmintics are commonly derived from natural products, e.g. fungi and plants. This investigation aimed to develop a high-throughput whole organism screening method based on a motility assay using the wMicroTracker system. Anthelmintic activity of extracts from Hawaiian fungi was screened against third-stage larvae of the parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis , categorized according to the degree of motility reduction. Of the 108 crude samples and fractionated products, 48 showed some level of activity, with 13 reducing motility to 0–25% of the maximum exhibited, including two pure compounds, emethacin B and epicoccin E, neither previously known to exhibit anthelmintic properties. The process of bioassay-guided fractionation is illustrated in detail based on analysis of one of the crude extracts, which led to isolation of lamellicolic anhydride, a compound with moderate activity. This study validates the wMicroTracker system as an economical and high-throughput option for testing large suites of natural products against A. cantonensis , adds to the short list of diverse parasites for which it has been validated and highlights the value of A. cantonensis and Hawaiian fungi for discovery of new anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi L. Rollins
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI96822, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI96822, USA
| | - Mallique Qader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - William L. Gosnell
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI96813, USA
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Shugeng Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI96720, USA
| | - Robert H. Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI96822, USA
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13
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Morgan ER, Modry D, Paredes-Esquivel C, Foronda P, Traversa D. Angiostrongylosis in Animals and Humans in Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1236. [PMID: 34684185 PMCID: PMC8538298 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lungworms in the genus Angiostrongylus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum within Europe and the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of A. vasorum from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm A. cantonensis, meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, A. chabaudi, A. daskalovi and A. dujardini, are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - David Modry
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Claudia Paredes-Esquivel
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
| | - Pilar Foronda
- University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain;
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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14
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Patial S, Delcambre BA, DiGeronimo PM, Conboy G, Vatta AF, Bauer R. Verminous meningoencephalomyelitis in a red kangaroo associated with Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:107-111. [PMID: 34382472 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211037664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic parasitic helminth that normally resides in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle of rats (Rattus sp.), the definitive host, where it causes little disease. Humans, dogs, opossums, and various zoo animals are "accidental" hosts. Here we report verminous meningoencephalomyelitis caused by A. cantonensis in a 9-mo-old male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). The kangaroo was first presented lethargic, recumbent, and hypothermic, with severe muscle wasting. Within 3 wk, he progressed to non-ambulatory paraparesis and died. Gross examination revealed multifocal areas of dark-brown discoloration, malacia, and cavitation in the brain and the spinal cord. Histologically, there were several sections of nematodes surrounded by extensive areas of rarefaction, hemorrhage, spongiosis, neuronal necrosis, and gliosis. Based on size, morphology, and organ location, the nematodes were identified as subadult males and females. Interestingly, an eosinophilic response was largely absent, and the inflammatory response was minimal. A. cantonensis infection had not been reported previously in a red kangaroo in Louisiana or Mississippi, to our knowledge. Our case reaffirms the widespread presence of the helminth in the southeastern United States and indicates that A. cantonensis should be considered as a differential in macropods with neurologic clinical signs in regions where A. cantonensis is now endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonika Patial
- Departments of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Brooke A Delcambre
- Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Peter M DiGeronimo
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.,Current address: Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Conboy
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Adriano F Vatta
- Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Rudy Bauer
- Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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15
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Yang L, Darasavath C, Chang K, Vilay V, Sengduangphachanh A, Adsamouth A, Vongsouvath M, Keolouangkhot V, Robinson MT. Cluster of Angiostrongyliasis Cases Following Consumption of Raw Monitor Lizard in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Review of the Literature. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030107. [PMID: 34206193 PMCID: PMC8293387 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongyliasis in humans causes a range of symptoms from mild headache and myalgia to neurological complications, coma and death. Infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked intermediate or paratenic hosts infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis or via contaminated vegetables or water. We describe a cluster of cases involved in the shared meal of wild raw monitor lizard in the Lao PDR. Seven males, aged 22–36 years, reported headaches, abdominal pain, arthralgia, myalgia, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, neurological effects and loss of appetite. Five were admitted to hospital. The final diagnosis was made by clinical presentation and case history, and positive A. cantonensis PCR for two cases. All hospitalized patients recovered fully following supportive treatment. The remaining two individuals sought local home remedies and made full recovery. Whilst most published reports concern infections via consumption of molluscs, few detailed reports exist on infections that result from the consumption of reptiles and there exists little awareness in Lao PDR. This case cluster, which originates from a single meal, highlights the potential public health risk of the consumption of raw and wild-caught meat in Lao PDR and the Southeast Asia region. Without specific diagnostics, clinical history and the consideration of recent food consumption are important when evaluating patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeyounjera Yang
- Adult Infectious Disease Ward, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos; (L.Y.); (C.D.); (K.C.); (V.K.)
| | - Chirapha Darasavath
- Adult Infectious Disease Ward, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos; (L.Y.); (C.D.); (K.C.); (V.K.)
| | - Ko Chang
- Adult Infectious Disease Ward, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos; (L.Y.); (C.D.); (K.C.); (V.K.)
| | - Vilayvanh Vilay
- Infectious Disease Ward, 103 Military Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos;
| | | | - Aphaphone Adsamouth
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos;
| | - Manivanh Vongsouvath
- Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos; (A.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Valy Keolouangkhot
- Adult Infectious Disease Ward, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos; (L.Y.); (C.D.); (K.C.); (V.K.)
| | - Matthew T. Robinson
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane 01000, Laos;
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK
- Correspondence:
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16
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Rollins RL, Cowie RH, Echaluse MV, Medeiros MCI. Host snail species exhibit differential Angiostrongylus cantonensis prevalence and infection intensity across an environmental gradient. Acta Trop 2021; 216:105824. [PMID: 33422544 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Diverse snail species serve as intermediate hosts of the parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the etiological agent of human neuroangiostrongyliasis. However, levels of A. cantonensis infection prevalence and intensity vary dramatically among these host species. Factors contributing to this variation are largely unknown. Environmental factors, such as precipitation and temperature, have been correlated with overall A. cantonensis infection levels in a locale, but the influence of environment on infection in individual snail species has not been addressed. We identified levels of A. cantonensis prevalence and intensity in 16 species of snails collected from 29 sites along an environmental gradient on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The relationship between infection levels of individual species and their environment was evaluated using AIC model selection of Generalized Linear Mixed Models incorporating precipitation, temperature, and vegetation cover at each collection site. Our results indicate that different mechanisms drive parasite prevalence and intensity in the intermediate hosts. Overall, snails from rainy, cool, green sites had higher infection levels than snails from dry, hot sites with less green vegetation. Intensity increased at the same rate along the environmental gradient in all species, though at different levels, while the relation between prevalence and environmental variables depended on species. These results have implications for zoonotic transmission, as human infection is a function of infection in the intermediate hosts, ingestion of which is the main pathway of transmission. The probability of human infection is greater in locations with higher rainfall, lower temperature and more vegetation cover because of higher infection prevalence in the gastropod hosts, but this depends on the host species. Moreover, severity of neuroangiostrongyliasis symptoms is likely to be greater in locations with higher rainfall, lower temperature, and more vegetation because of the higher numbers of infectious larvae (infection intensity) in all infected snail species. This study highlights the variation of infection prevalence and intensity in individual gastropod species, the individualistic nature of interactions between host species and their environment, and the implications for human neuroangiostrongyliasis in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi L Rollins
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaii, 2538 McCarthy Mall, Edmondson 216, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA; Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 408, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA.
| | - Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 408, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
| | - Ma Vida Echaluse
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 1993 East West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
| | - Matthew C I Medeiros
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 1993 East West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
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17
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Walden HDS, Slapcinsky J, Rosenberg J, Wellehan JFX. Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) in Florida, USA: current status. Parasitology 2021; 148:149-152. [PMID: 32729436 PMCID: PMC11010200 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been found in Florida, USA, from the panhandle in the north to Miami and surrounding areas in the southern parts of the state, in both definitive and intermediate hosts in a limited studies completed in 2015. Additional studies have identified this parasite in a variety of intermediate hosts, both native and non-native gastropod species, with new host species recorded. Many areas in Florida with higher A. cantonensis prevalence were those with a high human population density, which suggests it is a matter of time before human infections occur in Florida. Case reports in the state currently involve non-human primates and include a gibbon and orangutan in Miami. Here, we report the current status of A. cantonensis in the state, as well as the infection in a capuchin monkey and presumptive infection in a red ruffed lemur in Gainesville, Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D. S. Walden
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Ave, PO Box 110123, Gainesville, FL, USA32608
| | - John Slapcinsky
- Univeristy of Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, FL, USA32611
| | | | - James F. X. Wellehan
- University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, 1945 SW 16th Ave, PO Box 110123, Gainesville, FL, USA32608
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18
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Fecková B, Djoehana P, Putnová B, Valašťanová M, Petríková M, Knotek Z, Modrý D. Pathology of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in two model avian hosts. Parasitology 2021; 148:174-177. [PMID: 32981549 PMCID: PMC11010151 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis causes severe neurological disorders in a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including several avian species. A laboratory isolate of A. cantonensis originating from French Polynesia, genotyped as clade 2, was used to assess the effect of experimental infection in chicken and Japanese quail. Low dose groups of birds were infected orally by 100 L3 larvae, high dose groups by 1500 L3 larvae and the birds in the third group were fed three infected snails, mimicking a natural infection. Clinical signs during the first week after infection, haematology, biochemistry, gross lesions and histology findings were used to assess the pathology of the infection. Some of the infected birds showed peripheral eosinophilia, while mild neurological signs were seen in others. No larvae were observed in serial sections of the central nervous system of infected birds 1 week after infection and no major gross lesions were observed during necropsy; histopathology did not reveal lesions directly attributable to A. cantonensis infection. Our results suggest that galliform birds are not highly susceptible to A. cantonensis infection and open a question of the importance of Galliformes in endemic areas as natural pest control, lowering the number of hosts carrying the infective larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Fecková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Priyanka Djoehana
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Putnová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Valašťanová
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Petríková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Knotek
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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19
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Jacob J, Tan G, Lange I, Saeed H, Date A, Jarvi S. In vitro efficacy of anthelmintics on Angiostrongylus cantonensis L3 larvae. Parasitology 2021; 148:240-250. [PMID: 32799943 PMCID: PMC8173162 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide, with life-threatening complications if not managed correctly. Previous in vitro studies have utilized change in motility patterns of adult female worms to assess the efficacy of anthelmintics qualitatively. However, it is the third stage larvae (L3) that are infectious to humans. With differential staining using propidium iodide penetration as the indicator of death, we can distinguish between dead and live larvae. This assay has enabled us to quantify the in vitro efficacy of nine clinically established anthelmintics on A. cantonensis L3. All drugs were tested at a 1 mm concentration. Piperazine and niclosamide were ineffective in inducing larval death; however, albendazole sulfoxide, pyrantel pamoate, diethylcarbamazine, levamisole and praziquantel were effective as compared to unexposed controls (P < 0.05). Ivermectin and moxidectin did not induce significant levels of mortality, but they considerably reduced larval motility almost immediately. This study indicates the need for further in vivo studies to determine the optimal dose and time frame for post-infection treatment with anthelmintics that demonstrated efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jacob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Ghee Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Ingo Lange
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Hiwa Saeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Abhijit Date
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
| | - Susan Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, The University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i96720, USA
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The mitochondrial genome of Angiostrongylus mackerrasae is distinct from A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis. Parasitology 2020; 147:681-688. [PMID: 32052727 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The native rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus mackerrasae) and the invasive rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) occur in eastern Australia. The species identity of A. mackerrasae remained unquestioned until relatively recently, when compilation of mtDNA data indicated that A. mackerrasae sensu Aghazadeh et al. (2015b) clusters within A. cantonensis based on their mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). To re-evaluate the species identity of A. mackerrasae, we sought material that would be morphologically conspecific with A. mackerrasae. We combined morphological and molecular approaches to confirm or refute the specific status of A. mackerrasae. Nematodes conspecific with A. mackerrasae from Rattus fuscipes and Rattus rattus were collected in Queensland, Australia. Morphologically identified A. mackerrasae voucher specimens were characterized using amplification of cox1 followed by the generation of reference complete mtDNA. The morphologically distinct A. cantonensis, A. mackerrasae and A. malaysiensis are genetically distinguishable forming a monophyletic mtDNA lineage. We conclude that A. mackerrasae sensu Aghazadeh et al. (2015b) is a misidentified specimen of A. cantonensis. The availability of the mtDNA genome of A. mackerrasae enables its unequivocal genetic identification and differentiation from other Angiostrongylus species.
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21
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Červená B, Modrý D, Fecková B, Hrazdilová K, Foronda P, Alonso AM, Lee R, Walker J, Niebuhr CN, Malik R, Šlapeta J. Low diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from Australia, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Canary Islands revealed using whole genome next-generation sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:241. [PMID: 31097040 PMCID: PMC6524341 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rats (Rattus spp.) invaded most of the world as stowaways including some that carried the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and other warm-blooded animals. A high genetic diversity of A. cantonensis based on short mitochondrial DNA regions is reported from Southeast Asia. However, the identity of invasive A. cantonensis is known for only a minority of countries. The affordability of next-generation sequencing for characterisation of A. cantonensis genomes should enable new insights into rat lung worm invasion and parasite identification in experimental studies. Methods Genomic DNA from morphologically verified A. cantonensis (two laboratory-maintained strains and two field isolates) was sequenced using low coverage whole genome sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome was assembled and compared to published A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis sequences. To determine if the commonly sequenced partial cox1 can unequivocally identify A. cantonensis genetic lineages, the diversity of cox1 was re-evaluated in the context of the publicly available cox1 sequences and the entire mitochondrial genomes. Published experimental studies available in Web of Science were systematically reviewed to reveal published identities of A. cantonensis used in experimental studies. Results New A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from Sydney (Australia), Hawaii (USA), Canary Islands (Spain) and Fatu Hiva (French Polynesia), were assembled from next-generation sequencing data. Comparison of A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from outside of Southeast Asia showed low genetic diversity (0.02–1.03%) within a single lineage of A. cantonensis. Both cox1 and cox2 were considered the preferred markers for A. cantonensis haplotype identification. Systematic review revealed that unequivocal A. cantonensis identification of strains used in experimental studies is hindered by absence of their genetic and geographical identity. Conclusions Low coverage whole genome sequencing provides data enabling standardised identification of A. cantonensis laboratory strains and field isolates. The phenotype of invasive A. cantonensis, such as the capacity to establish in new territories, has a strong genetic component, as the A. cantonensis found outside of the original endemic area are genetically uniform. It is imperative that the genotype of A. cantonensis strains maintained in laboratories and used in experimental studies is unequivocally characterised. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3491-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Červená
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Fecková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, C/Astrofisico F Sanchez, s/n, Tenerife, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Aron Martin Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, C/Astrofisico F Sanchez, s/n, Tenerife, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Rogan Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - John Walker
- Marie Bashir Institute for infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Chris N Niebuhr
- USDA-APHIS-WS, National Wildlife Research Center, Hawaii Field Station, PO Box 10880, Hilo, HI, 96721, USA.,Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln, 7608, New Zealand
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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22
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Annotated catalogue of species of Angiostrongylus and the related genera Gallegostrongylus, Rodentocaulus and Stefanskostrongylus (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea, Angiostrongylidae). J Helminthol 2019; 93:389-423. [PMID: 31064435 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This catalogue is concerned with the closely related angiostrongylid genera Angiostrongylus, Gallegostrongylus, Rodentocaulus and Stefanskostrongylus. Three species, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, A. costaricensis and A. vasorum, have attracted most attention because of their importance in human and domestic animal disease. Many of the remaining species are poorly known and the number of valid taxa is unclear. The catalogue lists all nomenclaturally available and unavailable genus-group and species-group names that have been applied to the above genera and the species included in them, indicating their current nomenclatural status and providing the rigorous nomenclatural basis for future work. The catalogue lists 14 published and nomenclaturally available genus-group names, with the above four treated as valid, the other ten being junior synonyms. There are 42 published species-group names: 36 are valid, two are junior synonyms, four are nomenclaturally unavailable. One additional species, described in Chabaudistrongylus (synonym of Angiostrongylus), is listed as incertae sedis in Angiostrongylidae. Also listed are two unpublished collection names. The catalogue provides bibliographic details for all published names, and for available names provides locations of type material, details of type localities, geographic distributions and details of type and other hosts, both definitive and intermediate, to the extent known. The catalogue is a work of nomenclature, not a revisionary taxonomic work. No new names or new combinations are proposed. The apparently new family-group synonymy of Cardionematinae with Angiostrongylidae is introduced, as are four genus-group synonymies, three with Angiostrongylus and one with Stefaskostrongylus.
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Eamsobhana P, Yong HS, Song SL, Gan XX, Prasartvit A, Tungtrongchitr A. Molecular phylogeography and genetic diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. malaysiensis (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) based on 66-kDa protein gene. Parasitol Int 2018; 68:24-30. [PMID: 30267903 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main causative agent of human angiostrongyliasis. A sibling species, A. malaysiensis has not been unequivocally incriminated to be involved in human infections. To date, there is only a single report on the application of the partial 66-kDa protein gene sequence for molecular differentiation and phylogeny of Angiostrongylus species. Nucleotide sequences of the 66-kDa protein gene of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis from Thailand, as well as those of the laboratory strains of A. cantonensis from Thailand and Hawaii, A. cantonensis from Japan and China, A. malaysiensis from Malaysia, and A. costaricensis from Costa Rica, were used for the reconstruction of phylogenetic tree by the maximum likelihood (ML) method and the haplotypes by the median joining (MJ) network. The ML phylogenetic tree contained two major clades with a full support bootstrap value - (1) A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis, and (2) A. costaricensis. A. costaricensis was basal to A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis. The genetic distance between A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis ranged from p = .82% to p = 3.27%, that between A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis from p = 4.90% to p = 5.31%, and that between A. malaysiensis and A. costaricensis was p = 4.49% to p = 5.71%. Both A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis possess high 66-kDa haplotype diversity. There was no clear separation of the conspecific taxa of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis from different geographical regions. A more intensive and extensive sampling with larger sample size may reveal greater haplotype diversity and a better resolved phylogeographical structure of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praphathip Eamsobhana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Hoi-Sen Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Sze-Looi Song
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Xiao-Xian Gan
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Anchana Prasartvit
- Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tungtrongchitr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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24
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Dusitsittipon S, Criscione CD, Morand S, Komalamisra C, Thaenkham U. Hurdles in the evolutionary epidemiology of Angiostrongylus cantonensis: Pseudogenes, incongruence between taxonomy and DNA sequence variants, and cryptic lineages. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1257-1269. [PMID: 30151038 PMCID: PMC6099809 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is a zoonotic pathogen that is one of the leading causes of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. This parasite is regarded as an emerging pathogen with a global range expansion out of southeastern Asia post-WWII. To date, molecular systematic/phylogeographic studies on A. cantonensis have mainly used two mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers, cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) and cytochrome b (CYTB), where the focus has largely been descriptive in terms of reporting local patterns of haplotype variants. In order to look for more global evolutionary patterns, we herein provide a collective phylogenetic assessment using the six available whole mtDNA genome samples that have been tagged as A. cantonensis, A. malaysiensis, or A. mackerrasae along with all other GenBank CO1 and CYTB partial sequences that carry these species identifiers. The results reveal three important complications that researchers will need to be aware of, or will need to resolve, prior to conducting future molecular evolutionary studies on A. cantonensis. These three problems are (i) incongruence between taxonomic identifications and mtDNA variants (haplotypes or whole mtDNA genome samples), (ii) the presence of a CYTB mtDNA pseudogene, and (iii) the need to verify A. mackerrasae as a species along with other possible cryptic lineages, of which there is suggestive evidence (i.e., A. cantonensis could be a species complex). We provided a discussion of how these complications are hurdles to our understanding of the global epidemiology of angiostrongyliasis. We call for future studies to be more explicit in morphological traits used for identifications (e.g., provide measurements). Moreover, it will be necessary to repeat prior morphological and life-history studies while simultaneously using sequence data in order to assess possible associations between critical epidemiological data (e.g., biogeography, virulence/pathology, host species use) and specific lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirilak Dusitsittipon
- Department of HelminthologyFaculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
- Departments of Parasitology and EntomologyFaculty of Public HealthMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | - Serge Morand
- CNRS ISEM‐CIRAD ASTREFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Chalit Komalamisra
- Mahidol‐Bangkok School of Tropical MedicineFaculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of HelminthologyFaculty of Tropical MedicineMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
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25
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She D, Zhang X, Mo Z, Yang G, Shin JW, Chen X, Cui L, Li H. Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in Intracranial Angiostrongylus cantonensis Larvae in Permissive and Non-Permissive Hosts. J Parasitol 2017; 103:718-726. [PMID: 28953426 DOI: 10.1645/15-933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection can lead to severe neuropathological damage caused by the development of these nematodes in the central nervous system after penetrating the blood-brain barrier. They commonly cause eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in non-permissive hosts (e.g., mice). It has been shown that differences exist in the brains of permissive and non-permissive hosts during the larval development of A. cantonensis; however, the mechanism underlying the difference is not completely understood. This study analyzed and characterized the differentially expressed proteins in the intracranial A. cantonensis larvae in rat (ILR) and mouse (ILM) brains by using proteomics. We found that 29 proteins were differentially expressed: 12 of these proteins were highly expressed in ILR, whereas the remaining 17 proteins were highly expressed in ILM. Three protein spots were homologous to the actin-2, actin-1, and disorganized muscle protein 1 (dim-1) of Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, proteomic analyses revealed that act-1 and act-2 were up-regulated in ILM compared to ILR, whereas dim-1 was down-regulated in ILM. Annotation using gene ontology revealed that act-1, act-2, and dim-1 were mainly associated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) catabolic processes and ATP binding. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of act-1 and dim-1 using the first internal transcribed spacers of A. cantonensis 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was consistent with 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and the sizes of these parasites; ILR was longer and wider than ILM. These results indicate that the differentially expressed proteins dim-1 and act-1 could be related to the development and pathogenicity of A. cantonensis in different hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan She
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zexun Mo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guilan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jyh-Wei Shin
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Centre of Preventive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Emerging Infectious Diseases of Guangdong Higher Institutes, Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Research of Guangdong Province, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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26
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Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I haplotype diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae). Acta Trop 2017; 171:141-145. [PMID: 28347653 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a food-borne zoonotic parasite of public health importance worldwide. It is the primary etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans in many countries. It is highly endemic in Thailand especially in the northeast region. In this study, A. cantonensis adult worms recovered from the lungs of wild rats in different geographical regions/provinces in Thailand were used to determine their haplotype by means of the mitochondrial partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence. The results revealed three additional COI haplotypes of A. cantonensis. The geographical isolates of A. cantonensis from Thailand and other countries formed a monophyletic clade distinct from the closely related A. malaysiensis. In the present study, distinct haplotypes were identified in seven regions of Thailand - AC10 in Phitsanulok (northern region), AC11 in Nakhon Phanom (northeastern region), AC15 in Trat (eastern region), AC16 in Chantaburi (eastern region), AC4 in Samut Prakan (central region), AC14 in Kanchanaburi (western region), and AC13 in Ranong (southern region). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these haplotypes formed distinct lineages. In general, the COI sequences did not differentiate the worldwide geographical isolates of A. cantonensis. This study has further confirmed the presence of COI haplotype diversity in various geographical isolates of A. cantonensis. The COI gene sequence will be a suitable marker for studying population structure, phylogeography and genetic diversity of the rat lungworm.
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27
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Xie H, Yuan D, Luo S, Zeng X, Zeng X, He P, Lv Z, Wu Z. Angiostrongylus cantonensis: An optimized cultivation of this parasitic nematode under laboratory conditions. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2231-2237. [PMID: 28616635 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5526-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis), a parasitic nematode, is the important neurotropic pathogen which causes human angiostrongyliasis. It has a complex life-cycle and severe parasite-host interaction in contrast to free-living nematode. Establishment of a well-suited life-cycle and in vitro cultivation of A. cantonensis in the laboratory will be one of the key techniques to elucidate the mechanism of parasite-host interaction. However, the low survival and growth rate of worms is still to be the problem. We optimized the known life-cycle of A. cantonensis in the laboratory, showing that small in size, easy to breed, and high compatibility of Biomphalaria straminea precede the common snails as an intermediate host of A. cantonensis. Furthermore, the egg hatching rate in Ham's F-12 medium reached approximately 80% using the eggs of mature female adult worms. We also demonstrated that the survival of larvae could be sustained for more than 30 days by in vitro cultivation of L1 larvae in DMEM with mixed antibiotics (100 units/mL of penicillin G potassium, 50 μg/mL of streptomycin sulfate, and 0.5 μg/mL of amphotericin B) and L3, L4, and L5 larvae in Waymouth's medium with 20% fetal calf serum and mixed antibiotics. Infective L1 and L3 larvae kept high infective rate to the snail and rat after cultivation in these media, respectively. It will provide the basis for studying on genetic manipulations for functional genes, new drug screening, and the mechanism of parasite-host interaction of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongjuan Yuan
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shiqi Luo
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingda Zeng
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74, Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control (Sun Yat-sen University), The National Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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28
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Stockdale Walden HD, Slapcinsky JD, Roff S, Mendieta Calle J, Diaz Goodwin Z, Stern J, Corlett R, Conway J, McIntosh A. Geographic distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in wild rats (Rattus rattus) and terrestrial snails in Florida, USA. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177910. [PMID: 28542310 PMCID: PMC5436845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a major cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans, and has been documented in other incidental hosts such as birds, horses, dogs and non-human primates. It is endemic in Hawaii, and there have been sporadic reports in the southern continental United States. This parasite uses rats as definitive hosts and snails as intermediate hosts. In this study, we collected potential definitive and intermediate hosts throughout Florida to ascertain the geographic distribution in the state: Rats, environmental rat fecal samples, and snails were collected from 18 counties throughout the state. Classical diagnostics and morphological identification, along with molecular techniques were used to identify nematode species and confirm the presence of A. cantonensis. Of the 171 Rattus rattus collected, 39 (22.8%) were positive for A. cantonensis, and 6 of the 37 (16.2%) environmental rat fecal samples collected in three of the surveyed counties were also positive for this parasite by real time PCR. We examined 1,437 gastropods, which represented 32 species; 27 (1.9%) were positive for A. cantonensis from multiple sites across Florida. Three non-native gastropod species, Bradybaena similaris, Zachrysia provisoria, and Paropeas achatinaceum, and three native gastropod species, Succinea floridana, Ventridens demissus, and Zonitoides arboreus, which are newly recorded intermediate hosts for the parasite, were positive for A. cantonensis. This study indicates that A. cantonensis is established in Florida through the finding of adult and larval stages in definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively, throughout the state. The ability for this historically subtropical nematode to thrive in a more temperate climate is alarming, however as the climate changes and average temperatures rise, gastropod distributions will probably expand, leading to the spread of this parasite in more temperate areas. Through greater awareness of host species and prevalence of A. cantonensis in the United States, potential accidental infections may be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D. Stockdale Walden
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - John D. Slapcinsky
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Shannon Roff
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jorge Mendieta Calle
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zakia Diaz Goodwin
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jere Stern
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rachel Corlett
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Julia Conway
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Antoinette McIntosh
- Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis: a review of its distribution, molecular biology and clinical significance as a human pathogen. Parasitology 2016; 143:1087-118. [PMID: 27225800 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode found widely in the Asia-Pacific region, and the aetiological agent of angiostrongyliasis; a disease characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. Rattus rats are definitive hosts of A. cantonensis, while intermediate hosts include terrestrial and aquatic molluscs. Humans are dead-end hosts that usually become infected upon ingestion of infected molluscs. A presumptive diagnosis is often made based on clinical features, a history of mollusc consumption, eosinophilic pleocytosis in cerebral spinal fluid, and advanced imaging such as computed tomography. Serological tests are available for angiostrongyliasis, though many tests are still under development. While there is no treatment consensus, therapy often includes a combination of anthelmintics and corticosteroids. Angiostrongyliasis is relatively rare, but is often associated with morbidity and sometimes mortality. Recent reports suggest the parasites' range is increasing, leading to fatalities in regions previously considered Angiostrongylus-free, and sometimes, delayed diagnosis in newly invaded regions. Increased awareness of angiostrongyliasis would facilitate rapid diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. This paper summarizes knowledge on the parasites' life cycle, clinical aspects and epidemiology. The molecular biology of Angiostrongylus spp. is also discussed. Attention is paid to the significance of angiostrongyliasis in Australia, given the recent severe cases reported from the Sydney region.
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Robles MDR, Kinsella JM, Galliari C, Navone GT. New host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) in rodents from Argentina with updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:181-91. [PMID: 26982178 PMCID: PMC4804501 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, 21 species of the genus Angiostrongylus (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) have been reported around the world, 15 of which are parasites of rodents. In this study, new host, geographic records, and histopathologic studies of Angiostrongylus spp in sigmodontine rodents from Argentina, with an updated summary of records from rodent hosts and host specificity assessment, are provided. Records of Angiostrongylus costaricensis from Akodon montensis and Angiostrongylus morerai from six new hosts and geographical localities in Argentina are reported. The gross and histopathologic changes in the lungs of the host species due to angiostrongylosis are described. Published records of the genus Angiostrongylus from rodents and patterns of host specificity are presented. Individual Angiostrongylus species parasitise between one-19 different host species. The most frequent values of the specificity index (STD) were between 1-5.97. The elevated number of host species (n = 7) of A. morerai with a STD = 1.86 is a reflection of multiple systematic studies of parasites from sigmodontine rodents in the area of Cuenca del Plata, Argentina, showing that an increase in sampling effort can result in new findings. The combination of low host specificity and a wide geographic distribution of Angiostrongylus spp indicates a troubling epidemiological scenario although, as yet, no human cases have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- María del Rosario Robles
- Centro Científico Tecnológico-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones
Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | | | - Carlos Galliari
- Centro Científico Tecnológico-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones
Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
| | - Graciela T Navone
- Centro Científico Tecnológico-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones
Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires,
Argentina
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Aghazadeh M, Reid SA, Aland KV, Restrepo AC, Traub RJ, McCarthy JS, Jones MK. A survey of Angiostrongylus species in definitive hosts in Queensland. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:323-8. [PMID: 26236633 PMCID: PMC4511779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent sporadic reports of angiostrongyliasis in humans, dogs and wildlife in eastern Australia there has been no systematic study to explore the epidemiology of Angiostrongylus spp. in definitive and intermediate hosts in the region. Little is known about the epidemiology of Angiostrongylus species in the definitive host in southeast Queensland, since the only survey conducted in this region was performed in the late 1960s. In this study, free-living populations of Rattus spp. were sampled and examined for the presence of adult and larval Angiostrongylus in the lungs, and of larvae in faeces. The prevalence of infection with Angiostrongylus spp. was 16.5% in Rattus spp. trapped in urban Brisbane and surrounds. This prevalence is much higher than estimates of earlier studies. This highlights the possible risk of zoonotic infection in children, dogs and wildlife in this region and indicates the necessity for public awareness as well as more detailed epidemiological studies on this parasite in eastern Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdis Aghazadeh
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia ; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Simon A Reid
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | | | | | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia ; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia ; QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
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Walker AG, Spielman D, Malik R, Graham K, Ralph E, Linton M, Ward MP. Canine neural angiostrongylosis: a case-control study in Sydney dogs. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:195-9. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AG Walker
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - D Spielman
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - R Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - K Graham
- North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - E Ralph
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - M Linton
- Rose Bay Veterinary Hospital; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - MP Ward
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Spratt DM. Species of Angiostrongylus (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) in wildlife: A review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:178-89. [PMID: 25853051 PMCID: PMC4381133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-one species of Angiostrongylus plus Angiostrongylus sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) are known currently in wildlife. These occur naturally in rodents, tupaiids, mephitids, mustelids, procyonids, felids, and canids, and aberrantly in a range of avian, marsupial and eutherian hosts including humans. Adults inhabit the pulmonary arteries and right atrium, ventricle and vena cava, bronchioles of the lung or arteries of the caecum and mesentery. All species pass first-stage larvae in the faeces of the host and all utilise slugs and/or aquatic or terrestrial snails as intermediate hosts. Gastropods are infected by ingestion or penetration of first-stage larvae; definitive hosts by ingestion of gastropods or gastropod slime. Transmission of at least one species may involve ingestion of paratenic hosts. Five developmental pathways are identified in these life cycles. Thirteen species, including Angiostrongylus sp., are known primarily from the original descriptions suggesting limited geographic distributions. The remaining species are widespread either globally or regionally, and are continuing to spread. Small experimental doses of infective larvae (ca. 20) given to normal or aberrant hosts are tolerated, although generally eliciting a granulomatous histopathological response; large doses (100-500 larvae) often result in clinical signs and/or death. Two species, A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis, are established zoonoses causing neurological and abdominal angiostrongliasis respectively. The zoonotic potential of A. mackerrasae, A. malaysiensis and A. siamensis particularly warrant investigation. Angiostrongylus cantonensis occurs in domestic animals, mammalian and avian wildlife and humans in the metropolitan areas of Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, where it has been suggested that tawny frogmouths and brushtail possums may serve as biosentinels. A major conservation issue is the devastating role A. cantonensis may play around zoos and fauna parks where captive rearing of endangered species programmes may exist and where Rattus spp. are invariably a problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Spratt
- Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO National Research Collections, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Martins YC, Tanowitz HB, Kazacos KR. Central nervous system manifestations of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. Acta Trop 2015; 141:46-53. [PMID: 25312338 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 species of Angiostrongylus have been described from around the world, but only Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been confirmed to cause central nervous system disease in humans. A neurotropic parasite that matures in the pulmonary arteries of rats, A. cantonensis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in southern Asia and the Pacific and Caribbean islands. The parasite can also cause encephalitis/encephalomyelitis and rarely ocular angiostrongyliasis. The present paper reviews the life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and prognosis of A. cantonesis infection. Emphasis is given on the spectrum of central nervous system manifestations and disease pathogenesis.
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Lee JD, Chung LY, Wang LC, Lin RJ, Wang JJ, Tu HP, Wu ZD, Yen CM. Sequence analysis in partial genes of five isolates of Angiostrongylus cantonensis from Taiwan and biological comparison in infectivity and pathogenicity between two strains. Acta Trop 2014; 133:26-34. [PMID: 24503290 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common infectious agent causing eosinophilic meningitis and is present in Taiwan, Thailand and the Pacific islands. Clinical symptoms vary within different endemic regions, and their severity is probably dependent on the number of ingested parasites and the diversity among strains. The experimentally definitive host is the rat, and non-permissive hosts are certain mammals such as humans and mice. In this study, the partial gene sequences of two A. cantonensis strains isolated from five different regions in Taiwan were selected and molecularly analyzed. The internal transcribed spacer gene and cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I gene sequences of the Hualien (H) strain of A. cantonensis differed from those of the Pingtung (P) strain and the other three strains by 19% and 11%, respectively. We analyzed the infectivity, fecundity, and development of the H and P strain in rats and host pathogenicity in mice inoculated with both strains. The number of the emerged first-stage larvae, adult recovery, and average length of adults in Sprague-Dawley rats significantly differed between rats inoculated with the H and P strain. Young adult recovery, average length of young adults, eosinophil counts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), glutathione peroxidase concentration, levels of reactive oxygen species as well as malondialdehyde concentration in the CSF, and the survival of mice significantly differed between BALB/c mice inoculated with the H and P strain. The H strain of A. cantonensis had lower infectivity, delayed fecundity, and poor development in rats, and caused milder pathology and lower mortality in mice than the P strain. These data clearly indicate that the H strain of A. cantonensis is a pathogenically distinct strain with lower infectivity to its definitive host, and causing mild pathogenic symptoms to its non-permissive host.
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis in China. TREATMENT OF HUMAN PARASITOSIS IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-39824-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Lin RJ, He JW, Chung LY, Lee JD, Wang JJ, Yen CM. Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematode: Metastrongiloidea): in vitro cultivation of infective third-stage larvae to fourth-stage larvae. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72084. [PMID: 23977214 PMCID: PMC3748073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study to attempt to cultivate Angiostrongylus cantonensis from third-stage larvae (AcL3) to fourth-stage larvae (AcL4) in vitro in defined complete culture medium that contained with Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM), supplemented amino acid (AA), amine (AM), fatty acid (FA), carbohydrate (CA) and 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) was successful. When AcL3 were cultured in the defined complete culture medium at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere, the larvae began to develop to AcL4 after 30 days of cultivation, and were enclosed within the sheaths of the third molts of the life cycle. Under these conditions, the larvae developed uniformly and reached to the fourth-stage 36 days. The morphology of AcL3 develop to AcL4 were recording and analyzing. Then comparison of A. cantonensis larval morphology and development between in vitro cultivation in defined complete culture medium and in vivo cultivation in infective BALB/c mice. The larvae that had been cultivated in vitro were smaller than AcL4 of infective BALB/c mice. However the AcL3 that were cultured using defined incomplete culture medium (MEM plus 20% FCS with AA+AM, FA, CA, AA+AM+FA, FA+CA, CA+AA+AM or not) did not adequately survive and develop. Accordingly, the inference is made that only the defined complete medium enable AcL3 develop to AcL4 in vitro. Some nematodes have been successfully cultured into mature worms but only a few researches have been made to cultivate A. cantonensis in vitro. The present study is the first to have succeeded in developing AcL3 to AcL4 by in vitro cultivation. Finally, the results of in vitro cultivation studies herein contribute to improving media for the effective development and growth of A. cantonensis. The gap in the A. cantonensis life cycle when the larvae are cultivated in vitro from third-stage larvae to fourth-stage larvae can thus be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Wen He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jye Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Bats are the second most species rich and abundant group of mammals and display an array of unique characteristics but are also among the most poorly studied mammals. They fill an important ecological niche and have diversified into a wide range of habitats. In recent years, bats have been implicated as reservoirs for some of the most highly pathogenic emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases reported to date, including SARS-like coronavirus, Ebola, Hendra and Nipah viruses. The ability of bats to harbour these viruses in the absence of clinical signs of disease has resulted in a resurgence of interest in bat biology and virus–host interactions. Interest in bats, in Australia in particular, has intensified following the identification of several novel bat-borne viruses from flying-foxes, including Hendra virus, which is capable of spillover from bats to horses and subsequently to humans with potentially fatal consequences. As we continue to encroach on the natural habitats of bats, a better understanding of bat biology, ecology and virus–host interactions has never before been so critical. In this review, we focus on the biology of Australian pteropid bats and the pathogens they harbour, summarising current knowledge of bat-borne diseases, bat ecology, ethology and immunology.
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Moreira V, Giese E, Melo F, Simões R, Thiengo S, Maldonado A, Santos J. Endemic angiostrongyliasis in the Brazilian Amazon: natural parasitism of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus, and sympatric giant African land snails, Achatina fulica. Acta Trop 2013; 125:90-7. [PMID: 23072946 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is one etiological agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. This zoonosis is frequently found in Asia and, more recently, in North America, Caribbean Island and northeastern of South America. Until now, research of A. cantonensis in southern, southeastern and northeastern regions of Brazil has been found natural infections only terrestrial and freshwater intermediate snail hosts (Achatina fulica, Sarasinula marginata, Subulina octona, Bradybaena similaris and Pomacea lineate). In this study, we examined the occurrence of helminthes in the synantropic rodents Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus in northern Brazil, focusing on the role of these species as vertebrate hosts of A. cantonensis and A. fulica as intermediate host have found natural. Thirty specimens of R. rattus and twelve of R. norvegicus were collected in the Guamá and Jurunas neighborhoods of the city of Belém, in the Brazilian state of Pará, of which almost 10% harbored adult worms in their pulmonary arteries. Sympatric A. fulica were found to be infected by L(3) larvae, which experimental infection confirmed to be A. cantonensis. Natural infection of snails and rodents with A. cantonensis was confirmed through morphological and morphometrical analyses of adults and larvae using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and molecular sequences of partial Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I. Phylogenetic analyses showed that A. cantonensis isolated from Pará, Brazil is similar to Japan isolate; once these specimens produced a single haplotype with high bootstrap support with Rio de Janeiro isolate. This study confirms that A. cantonensis is now endemic in northern Brazil, and that R. rattus and R. norvegicus act as natural definitive hosts, and A. fulica as the intermediate host of the parasite in this region.
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Ma G, Dennis M, Rose K, Spratt D, Spielman D. Tawny frogmouths and brushtail possums as sentinels for Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm. Vet Parasitol 2012; 192:158-65. [PMID: 23218219 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 11/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of angiostrongylosis in tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) with signs of neurological disease, and to describe the clinicopathological features of angiostrongylosis in both species. Tawny frogmouths and brushtail possums with signs of neurological disease were sampled from the Sydney metropolitan area between October 1998 and June 2010. Samples from 100 tawny frogmouths and 31 brushtail possums from the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health (ARWH), the Wildlife Assistance and Information Foundation (WAIF) and Wildlife Health and Conservation Centre (WHCC), University of Sydney were examined. Histological examinations of the brain, spinal cord and other available tissues were used to characterize the disease responsible for each animal's clinical signs. Of the 100 tawny frogmouths with neurological disease examined, angiostrongylosis was considered responsible in 80 (80%), traumatic injury in 17 (17%), protozoal infection in 3 (3%) and other diseases in 2 (2%) and the cause of clinical signs was unknown in 10 (10%). Eleven tawny frogmouths presenting with neurological signs associated with head trauma had concurrent angiostrongylosis. Of the 31 brushtail possums, Wobbly Possum Syndrome (WPS) was diagnosed in 21 (68%), angiostrongylosis in 4 (13%) and other diseases in the remaining 6 (19%). Angiostrongylosis was overrepresented in hand reared juvenile possums. Cases of angiostrongylosis in tawny frogmouths followed a strong seasonal pattern peaking through late summer and autumn. The results confirm that Angiostrongylus cantonensis is endemic in Sydney, Australia and that tawny frogmouths could be important sentinels for this zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Ma
- RSPCA NSW, 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, NSW 2199, Australia
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Effects of age and splenectomy on heavy infection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats. Exp Parasitol 2012; 131:210-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Tung KC, Hsiao FC, Wang KS, Yang CH, Lai CH. Study of the endoparasitic fauna of commensal rats and shrews caught in traditional wet markets in Taichung City, Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2012; 46:85-8. [PMID: 22516746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rats live in close proximity to human populations. Feral rodents are known to transmit diseases and act as reservoir hosts to many zoonotic parasites that pose health risks to humans. The aim of this study is to investigate endoparasitic infections in commensal rats and shrews caught in traditional wet markets in Taichung City, Taiwan. METHODS A total of 51 commensal wild rodents and shrews were caught in traditional wet markets in Taichung City, including 32 Rattus norvegicus, 11 R. rattus, and eight Suncus murinus. All tissues, organs, and intestinal contents were carefully examined after euthanasia for the detection of parasites. RESULTS The overall prevalence of infection was 94.1%, and the infection rates in R. norvegicus, R. rattus, and S. murinus were 93.8%, 90.9%, and 100.0%, respectively. Four cestodes (Taenia taeniaeformis, Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, and Raillietina celebensis), seven nematodes (Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Capillaria hepatica, Heterakis spumosa, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides ratti, Syphacia muris, and Trichosomoides crassicauda), and one protozoan (Sarcocystis spp.) were detected. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that commensal rodents and shrews found in the traditional wet markets of Taichung City are hosts to various zoonotic parasites and, therefore, pose a serious health risk to humans and domestic animals in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwong-Chung Tung
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Lunn JA, Lee R, Smaller J, MacKay BM, King T, Hunt GB, Martin P, Krockenberger MB, Spielman D, Malik R. Twenty two cases of canine neural angiostrongylosis in eastern Australia (2002-2005) and a review of the literature. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:70. [PMID: 22480148 PMCID: PMC3361490 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of canine neural angiostrongylosis (NA) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluations in the peer-reviewed literature were tabulated. All cases were from Australia. A retrospective cohort of 59 dogs was contrasted with a series of 22 new cases where NA was diagnosed by the presence of both eosinophilic pleocytosis and anti-Angiostrongylus cantonensis immunloglobulins (IgG) in CSF, determined by ELISA or Western blot. Both cohorts were drawn from south east Queensland and Sydney. The retrospective cohort comprised mostly pups presented for hind limb weakness with hyperaesthesia, a mixture of upper motor neurone (UMN) and lower motor neurone (LMN) signs in the hind limbs and urinary incontinence. Signs were attributed to larval migration through peripheral nerves, nerve roots, spinal cord and brain associated with an ascending eosinophilic meningo-encephomyelitis. The contemporary cohort consisted of a mixture of pups, young adult and mature dogs, with a wider range of signs including (i) paraparesis/proprioceptive ataxia (ii) lumbar and tail base hyperaesthesia, (iii) multi-focal central nervous system dysfunction, or (iv) focal disease with neck pain, cranial neuropathy and altered mentation. Cases were seen throughout the year, most between April and July (inclusive). There was a preponderance of large breeds. Often littermates, or multiple animals from the same kennel, were affected simultaneously or sequentially. A presumptive diagnosis was based on consistent signs, proximity to rats, ingestion/chewing of slugs or snails and eosinophilic pleocytosis. NA was diagnosed by demonstrating anti-A. cantonensis IgG in CSF. Detecting anti-A. cantonensis IgG in serum was unhelpful because many normal dogs (20/21 pound dogs; 8/22 of a hospital population) had such antibodies, often at substantial titres. Most NA cases in the contemporary series (19/22) and many pups (16/38) in the retrospective cohort were managed successfully using high doses of prednisolone and opioids. Treatment often included antibiotics administered in case protozoan encephalomyelitis or translocated bacterial meningitis was present. Supportive measures included bladder care and physiotherapy. Several dogs were left with permanent neural deficits. Dogs are an important sentinel species for NA. Human cases and numerous cases in tawny frogmouths were reported from the same regions as affected dogs over the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Lunn
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Corner Lexington & Logan Roads, Underwod, QLD 4119 Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- ICMPR, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2065 Australia
| | - Joanna Smaller
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Bruce M MacKay
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Corner Lexington & Logan Roads, Underwod, QLD 4119 Australia
| | - Terry King
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Corner Lexington & Logan Roads, Underwod, QLD 4119 Australia
| | - Geraldine B Hunt
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Patricia Martin
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Mark B Krockenberger
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Derek Spielman
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, B22, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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Gelis S, Spratt DM, Raidal SR. Neuroangiostrongyliasis and other parasites in tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) in south-eastern Queensland. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:47-50. [PMID: 21250956 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2010.00660.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The neurological, clinical and pathological findings and endoparasites in 10 wild tawny frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) presented to the Australian Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah, Queensland during a 28-day period in May 2009 are reported. Affected birds had a history of being found in poor body condition on the ground and unable to fly. Clinical examination revealed paresis with variable but generally weakened deep pain responses, withdrawal reflexes and an inability to perch. Severely affected birds that failed to respond to anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anthelmintic treatments all had larval Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the brain and or spinal cord, with occasional larvae found in the visceral organs. Other parasites detected included the liver fluke, Brachylecithum podargi, the intestinal nematode, Allodapa suctoria, an unidentified species of Trichostrongylus and unidentified cestodes. Gametocytes of Leucocytozoon sp. were found in peripheral blood smears and low numbers of microfilariae were found in histological sections of various blood vessels of several birds. However, no adult filarioids were recovered. Unidentified subcutaneous mites were identified in the connective tissue of the thoracic inlet. Attempts to treat two birds with ivermectin or oxfendazole-praziquantel were unsuccessful, but a third bird treated with a combination of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy followed by moxidectin steadily recovered, such that by 6 weeks post presentation its ability to perch, grasp, fly and judge distances was considered normal and it was subsequently released.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gelis
- Australian Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
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Chung LY, Chen CH, Wang LC, Chang SJ, Yen CM. Oxidative stress in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis coincides with enhanced glutathione-dependent enzymes activity. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:178-83. [PMID: 20433832 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidants activity, and biomarkers level of oxidative damage to protein and DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of C57BL/6 mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The mean ROS concentration in the CSF of infected mice increased gradually, and the increase in ROS in CSF became statistical significance at days 12-30 post-infection compared to that before infection (P<0.001), and then ROS returned to normal level at day 45 after infection. In parallel with the increase in ROS in the CSF, infected mice showed similar of changes in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as that in ROS in the CSF. GSH, GR, GPx, and GST in the CSF of infected mice were all significantly higher than they were before infection during days 12-30 post-infection. However, protein carbonyl content and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, biomarkers of oxidative damage to protein and DNA, respectively, were also significantly higher in the CSF of infected mice during this period. These results suggest that oxidative stress occur in the cells of central nervous system of mice infected with A. cantonensis during days 12-30 after infection due to ROS overproduction in CSF despite the increase in antioxidants during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC
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46
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Lv S, Zhang Y, Liu HX, Zhang CW, Steinmann P, Zhou XN, Utzinger J. Angiostrongylus cantonensis: morphological and behavioral investigation within the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. Parasitol Res 2009; 104:1351-9. [PMID: 19172296 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the main causative agent for human eosinophilic encephalitis, can be acquired through the consumption of the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. This snail also provides a suitable model to study the developmental morphology and behavior of A. cantonensis larvae, facilitated by the snail's distinct lung structure. We used microanatomy for studying the natural appearance and behavior of A. cantonensis larvae while developing within P. canaliculata. The distribution of refractile granules in the larval body and characteristic head structures changed during the developmental cycle. Two well-developed, rod-like structures with expanded knob-like tips at the anterior part were observed under the buccal cavity as early as the late second developmental stage. A "T"-shaped structure at the anterior end and its tenacity distinguished the outer sheath from that shed during the second molting. Early first-stage larvae obtained from fresh rat feces are free moving and characterized by a coiled tail, whereas a mellifluous "Q"-movement was the behavioral trait of third-stage A. cantonensis larvae outside the host tissue. In combination, the distribution of refractive granules, distinct head features, variations in sheaths, and behavioral characteristics can be utilized for differentiation of larval stages, and for distinguishing A. cantonensis larvae from those of other free-living nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lv
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
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Stokes VL, Spratt DM, Banks PB, Pech RP, Williams RL. Occurrence of Angiostrongylus species (Nematoda) in populations of Rattus rattus and Rattus fuscipes in coastal forests of south-eastern Australia. AUST J ZOOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/zo06061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The distributions of the introduced nematode parasite, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and the native Angiostrongylus mackerrasae in Australia are poorly understood. We sampled rodents and/or their faeces, and intermediate gastropod hosts for the presence of Angiostrongylus species in coastal forests surrounding Jervis Bay in south-eastern Australia. We found A. cantonensis in populations of introduced Rattus rattus in forests to the north of Jervis Bay, and A. mackerrasae in native Rattus fuscipes in forests to the south of Jervis Bay. The apparent geographical separation of these lungworm species may be a consequence of host specificity and negative associations between R. rattus and R. fuscipes that results from interspecific competition. A. cantonensis was regularly found in R. rattus or their faeces across 9 of 12 study sites north of Jervis Bay, and three species of snail common to the area were suitable intermediate hosts. This has potential negative implications for native wildlife and human visitors to these forests, because A. cantonensis infection causes zoonotic disease (neuro-angiostrongyliasis) in humans and a wide range of bird and mammal hosts. Management of pest rodents in the study area is warranted.
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49
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Wang LC, Wan DP, Jung SM, Chen CC, Wong HF, Wan YL. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the brains of rabbits infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis: a long-term investigation. J Parasitol 2006; 91:1237-9. [PMID: 16419780 DOI: 10.1645/ge-450r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Because magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging is a superior technique in delineating pathological changes in cerebral angiostrongyliasis, it should also be an optimal imaging modality in monitoring long-term changes in the brains of animals infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In this study, MRI and histological techniques were used to observe the changes in the brains of 7 rabbits infected with the third-stage larvae of A. canronensis. Changes were monitored by MRI from day 0 to day 207 postinfection (PI). Hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted MR brain images were first observed on day 22 PI and hallmarks of abnormalities were noted on day 35 PI. Hyperintensities on brain MR images remained up to day 207 PI. Histological examination from days 108 to 207 PI revealed meningeal congestion, choroid plexus inflammation, infarction, granuloma with embedded larva, gliosis, and hemorrhage in the brain tissues. These findings suggest that hosts infected with A. cantonensis may undergo pathological changes in the brain tissues for more than 200 days PI. Moreover, severe abnormalities may occur as early as the fifth week PI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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50
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Wang LC, Jung SM, Chen CC, Wong HF, Wan DP, Wan YL. Pathological changes in the brains of rabbits experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis after albendazole treatment: histopathological and magnetic resonance imaging studies. J Antimicrob Chemother 2005; 57:294-300. [PMID: 16319180 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dki430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of albendazole on rabbits infected with larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by histopathological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. METHODS Male rabbits were infected with 400 A. cantonensis larvae and treated with albendazole (5 mg/kg/day) for 2-14 days on day 5, 10, 15 or 20 post-infection. RESULTS Although there were pathological changes in the brains, MRI revealed unremarkable findings in the untreated group. However, the treated rabbits exhibited eosinophilic meningitis, choroid plexus inflammation, meningeal congestion, encephalitis, perivascular cuffing and meningitis, and were also found to have abnormal signal intensities on brain MR images in the 20 day post-infection treated group. CONCLUSIONS Pathological changes in the brains of the treated rabbits are more severe than those without albendazole treatment, suggesting that the drug may not be very suitable for the treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, and Department of Pathology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kueisan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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